What important issues are we missing out on because of the Trump-Palin nonsense (that is sadly captivating)? Flint, Michigan’s poor and black community being poisoned by gross government negligence. Saudi Arabia and Iran in a showdown. The fact that the World Economic Forum has marked environment and climate threats the greatest problems our globalized economy … More Eyes on the prize
There is no other person running who understands the state of our nation better and has laid out a path for how to rectify our common plights in a complicated world. On issue after issue–from the pilfering of our collective safety nets by parasitic capitalists to climate change to our individual freedoms and responsibilities to our … More Bernie Sanders will be the next American President
Two things really struck me from the State of the Union last night. One on economics and equality of opportunity and the other on climate change and innovation. I believe a thriving private sector is the lifeblood of our economy. I think there are outdated regulations that need to be changed, and there’s red tape … More A shout out to Obama on equality and cleaner energy
This quarter, J. Harlan Ritchey and I are the cover feature for The Art Buyer’s Guide to Central PA for our collaboration on Heartwood published by Mt. Nittany Press. In Heartwood, I wanted to “observe… who and how I was in the world and the world was in itself… and put those reflections into evocative poems.” Harlan’s art certainly helps … More Heartwood featured in the Art Buyer’s Guide of Central PA
By definition a “Shark Tank” is not a democracy. It’s a bidding war, an arms race, a money-based boxing match in which the fat cats and tycoons by the referee and judges to keep winning. The means of the system itself nor whether its ends are just, caring, or virtuous are irrelevant. “Power is power,” … More The Cersei Lannister problem with our government
I am so proud of my alma mater, the place where I work, and the place where my both my parents worked. Penn State administration has taken a decisive step toward publicly tackling climate change. As the co-author of the letter cited in this story, it is so gratifying to have been joined by more … More Penn State’s Strategic Plan takes on climate change
Tonight and next Friday I am doing two poetry readings. I’m so excited for both. Tonight I’m reading at Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe in State College at 7 pm. My longtime friend, J. Harlan Ritchey will be there with me. He did the cover art and pieces for my book Heartwood. We’ve been friends for … More Heartwood readings on January 8 & 15
Updated: Last night, I was sworn in as a Ferguson Township supervisor. It was a day that really brought many things together for Ferguson citizens and me. Thank you for putting me there. I have five quick reflections: The votes I cast last night moved me from the world of action through rhetoric to action … More My first night of public service
Since I have submitted this poem to a journal, I’m taking down the full draft. OPEN FOR BUSINESS “We are open for business!” bold Brittanic letters broadcast by white and brown beaming faces overlooking an azure archipelago. But I’m in an airport in the middle of Ohio. These plastic banners peddle Fantasy Island to the … More Open for Business: A poem on exploitation
I just can’t take it anymore. I can’t stand hearing Ted Cruz murder climate science anymore. A few weeks ago, Steve Inskeep interviewed Cruz, the Republican Presidential clown car driver candidate. For anyone who follows climate change politics, it will come as no surprise that he said some remarkably foolish things. After all, like several … More Ted Cruz’s offense to even slightly aware people
Peter Walks for Democracy 